People have a right to be free from discrimination in the workplace. No one should have to tolerate discrimination when looking for a job or when they go to work every day. Unfortunately, discrimination still happens all too often. If you believe you are a victim of workplace discrimination, Oxnard discrimination lawyers can help you understand your legal options and fight for your rights.
Victims of discrimination can be entitled to compensation from their employer. According to the same EEOC report, victims of discrimination received over $665 million in compensation for damages in 2023. Holding the responsible parties accountable is the first step toward getting justice and preventing this type of behavior.
If you have been the victim of discrimination in the workplace, you need an experienced discrimination attorney in Oxnard who will fight for your rights. Gutierrez Law Firm has over 16 years of experience protecting the rights of employees, and we can use our experience to help you as well. Reach out today to let us learn more about you and see how our Oxnard discrimination lawyers can help.
Why Choose Our Oxnard Discrimination Attorneys?
Discrimination cases are extremely personal, and we understand the feelings that you are experiencing. When you choose our Oxnard employment lawyers, you will always get the personal attention you deserve. You will never become just another case number in our office, as our caring and compassionate team will be there with you every step of the way.
Discrimination cases can also be difficult to prove. Direct evidence of discrimination rarely exists, so you need an experienced attorney who knows how to prove and win these cases. Our founding attorney has dedicated her entire career to helping clients whose rights have been violated in the workplace. Contact our Oxnard discrimination attorneys today to schedule your free consultation and let us get started helping you.
Types Of Discrimination In The Workplace in Oxnard
Discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfairly or differently in the workplace because of certain legally protected characteristics. Some examples of these protected characteristics include:
- Race
- Ancestry
- Age (over 40)
- Sex, gender
- Sexual orientation
- Marital status
- Disability status
- Veteran or military status
Additionally, several recent laws have been put in place to provide additional protections for pregnant women. Treating a woman differently because of pregnancy, childbirth, or medical conditions relating to pregnancy or childbirth is classified as discrimination. Likewise, employers cannot discriminate against these women for requesting their legally protected pregnancy leave.
The laws in California apply to all employers with 5 or more employees. In addition, your employer cannot retaliate against you for exercising your legal rights. For instance, if you are terminated for requesting reasonable accommodations for a disability, you could have a claim for both discrimination and wrongful termination. In this case, contacting a wrongful termination attorney in Oxnard will help you with the legal proceedings.
When Can Discrimination Take Place in Oxnard?
Discrimination can take place during any phase of the employment process. Some common areas where discrimination might occur include:
- Interviewing
- Hiring
- Promotions
- Pay raises
- Job assignments
- Layoffs
- Termination
For instance, refusing to hire someone because of their religion would be considered employment discrimination. The victim in this case would likely have a valid claim for discrimination and may be able to recover damages from the employer.
Filing An Oxnard Discrimination Claim
If you have been the victim of discrimination at your job, you should generally start by filing a claim with the EEOC or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). In some cases, you may file a claim with both of these agencies. Typically, you have 180 days to file a claim with the EEOC and 1 year to file a claim with the California DFEH.
They will investigate your claim and issue a “Right to Sue” letter if they believe the claim has merit. Once this letter is issued, you may bring a lawsuit in court. An experienced attorney can help you through the process and help ensure that the filing deadline is not missed. Failure to file your claim on time may prevent you from recovering any compensation.
You will want to have as much evidence as possible available when you file your claim. Keep records of conversations and interactions that may be discriminatory. Get the contact information of any witness who may have seen or heard the discriminatory conduct. Retain copies of emails or text messages that may help prove your case.
Damages For Victims Of Discrimination in Oxnard
Victims of discrimination can be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. In certain situations, punitive damages may also be awarded. Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer for their behavior and to deter that type of behavior in the future.
Some common types of economic damages that can be awarded in discrimination cases include:
- Lost wages
- Future lost earnings
- The difference in pay from the time the discrimination occurred until the present (if a demotion was involved)
- Job search expenses
- Mental health counseling bills
- Attorney’s fees and court costs
Non-economic damages are intended to compensate the victim for their pain and suffering or emotional damages. Some common non-economic damages include mental anguish, stress, anxiety, and PTSD.
In addition to financial compensation, there are a few other remedies that are fairly common in discrimination cases. In some instances, an employee may be reinstated. The employer may also be required to make policy changes to prevent discrimination in the future. Mandatory training programs may be required for those who were involved in the discriminatory conduct. The courts have fairly wide discretion in these types of cases to do what is necessary to compensate the victim for their losses.
Contact Gutierrez Law Firm Today For Help From Our Oxnard Discrimination Lawyers
If you have been the victim of discrimination in the workplace, you may be feeling stressed, worried, and even angry. Know that you do not have to put up with this type of behavior, and Gutierrez Law Firm is here to help. We have the experience you need in your corner, and we will fight tirelessly to make sure your rights are protected.
You do not have to go through this alone. Oxnard discrimination lawyers have helped hundreds of other clients who have been in your shoes, and our caring team is ready to help you too. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today to let us help you get the justice you deserve. Give us a call at (213) 460-8380 for a free consultation today.